A mistrial was declared in the decades-old murder and kidnapping trial of Marc Karun in the 1986 death of Kathleen Flynn following a significant revelation regarding evidence handling.

Decades-Old Case Halted

The trial, taking place in a Connecticut courtroom, was halted due to new information concerning the disposal of the victim’s body. Specifically, a decades-old email revealed Kathleen Flynn was placed in a used body bag after her death, raising concerns about potential evidence contamination.

The Revelation

Retired Norwalk police lieutenant Robert Fabrizzio’s email detailed that a state crime lab officer informed him shortly after Flynn’s body was discovered that it had been disposed of in a used body bag. Judge John Blawie declared the mistrial based on this information, though the charges against Karun remain active.

The Original Crime

Kathleen Flynn, an 11-year-old sixth-grader, was abducted on September 23, 1986, while walking home from Ponus Ridge Middle School in Norwalk, Connecticut. Her body was later found in the woods near Hunters Lane.

Investigation Revived

The case remained cold for years until 2019, when advancements in DNA technology led to Karun’s arrest at his home in Stetson, Maine. Investigators found similarities between this case and previous sexual assault and kidnapping offenses committed by Karun.

Karun's History and Current Status

Marc Karun, 60, had previously served a ten-year prison sentence for similar crimes committed in the 1980s. The recent trial was dramatically impacted by the body bag revelation. State Attorney Paul Ferencek expressed disappointment, particularly for the Flynn family who have waited over forty years for justice.

Next Steps and Additional Charges

The prosecution will now work with the medical examiner’s office and the state crime lab to assess the impact of the evidence handling issue. Karun remains in custody on a $5 million bond. He has also pleaded guilty to federal gun charges in 2024, stemming from the discovery of nearly 90 firearms at his Maine home, and is awaiting sentencing this summer.

The case underscores the challenges of long-term investigations and the importance of maintaining evidence integrity. It also highlights the profound impact of delays on families seeking closure.